7 Day Northern Explorer Tour

    7 day itinerary around the North Island of New Zealand with hand-chosen highlights designed to see more, do more, and experience it all first hand.

    Our 7 day itinerary North Island New Zealand tour features many of the stunning highlights you’d expect from this part of the world. The bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs of Rotorua. The most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand, Huka Falls near Taupo, and the cultural and political capital, Wellington. 

    However, we also take you to some off-the-beaten-track spots on our 7 day North Island tour. Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara, where we immerse ourselves in Maori culture. Wine tasting and food experiences amongst the magnificent landscape of Hawkes Bay. Greytown, a delightful colonial village with beautiful boutiques to have a walk around. 

    So much to experience over 7 days in New Zealand on tour. Join us on our premium coach tour taking you from Auckland to Wellington, stopping at the best places in the North Island.

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    Per person

    $2,499.00

    We can't confirm real time availability on this tour. Please enquire about this trip and we will get immediately back to you!

      Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Arrival day to Auckland

      Haere Mai and Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people. The magic of Auckland is in it’s diversity from culture to the environment. There are over 44 volcanoes in the area and 2 harbours, which explains why Auckland is known locally as the ‘City of Sails’.
      Take the afternoon or early evening to explore after you make your way to Neusto Hotel in central Auckland.
      Arrival: Anytime
      Accommodation: Nesuto Hotel or similar

      Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

      This morning we’ll be leaving Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and heading for the Rotorua region. Our first stop today is the Okere Falls. The falls lie on the Kaituna River which has cultural significance to the local iwi (tribes) in the area. Currently, the River is used for tourism, specifically white water rafting and sledging. We’ll stop by the Falls and see if we can spot some brave rafters going over the falls in their raft.
      Next, we’ll continue on, skirting around the edge of Lake Rotorua to a lookout point where we’ll have a view of the infamous Mount Tarawera, once the home of the renowned pink and white terraces before a violent eruption destroyed them in 1886. This evening we’ll arrive in Rotorua township and check into our hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner together and then settle in for a luxurious night’s sleep at the Distinction Rotorua.
      Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
      Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

      Day 3: Free Day in Rotorua

      Known as the North Island’s geothermal hot spot and hub for all the very best adventure activities, Rotorua is definitely one of the best places to explore… even if your nostrils tell you otherwise! There is so much to see and experience here and you have a full free day to see as much as you like.
      If you want to see some geothermal activity for free, we recommend taking a walk around Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes.
      You can book a multitude of tours via your Tour Guide and with options such as white water rafting, ziplining through the trees, relaxing at the Polynesian Spa and taking a Gondola up to see the amazing Rotorua Skyline you truly are spoilt for choice.
      Visit: Rotorua
      Accommodation: Distinction Rotorua or similar
      Meals Included: Breakfast

      Day 4: Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo

      This morning we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who is passionate, not only about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage but also about making a difference in the local area.
      Murupara is an impoverished community that has been transformed for the better through tourism and commercial development. Through community-driven initiatives and a clear vision to provide more opportunities for the local youth, Kohutapu Lodge has paved the way for change in the area.
      Begin the experience with a guided tour of the sacred Maori rock carvings before arriving at the Lodge to witness the preparation of ground cooked hangi and tasting it for yourself!
      After lunch, we’ll depart for the lush, green Whirinaki rainforest for a guided tour along the Rongoa trail. Spot native endangered birds and ancient medicinal plants, and learn more about the history of the forest, including the myths and legends before enjoying a hot kawakawa tea in the forest and a final karakia.
      This evening, our destination is Taupo. First, we’ll stop at the spectacular Huka Falls to see more than 22,000 litres of water per second thundering into the Waikato River. Then we’ll continue on to our hotel, the fabulous Hilton Taupo, a 19th-century building that combines Victorian charm with modern decor. The resort-style hotel houses a tennis court, a fitness centre and swimming pools.
      Visit:: Murupara, Whirinaki, Taupo
      Accommodation: Hilton Taupo or similar
      Meals Included: Breakfast, Hangi Lunch + Dessert
      Activity: Kohutapu Lodge Tribal Tour, Whirinaki Rainforest Tour

      Day 5: Taupo to Napier

      After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to leave Taupo and travel along the Napier-Taupo Highway to what is regarded as the Tuscany of the Southern Pacific.
      The stunning Hawke’s Bay region boasts some of the best wineries, and a visit here would not be complete without a trip to Mission Estate Winery. New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birthplace of New Zealand Wine.
      You’ll sit down for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and exceptional wines as you soak up the ambience and heritage of this historic building. Later, it’s an easy drive into the beautiful coastal town of Napier.
      Napier is often referred to as a 1930’s film set known for its perfectly preserved Art Deco facades. You have the option to stroll along the tree-lined promenade this evening and sample some fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants.
      Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar
      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
      Visit: Mission Estate Winery

      Day 6: Napier to Wellington

      Today it’s time to leave the Art Deco capital and journey down to Wellington, our sparkling capital city, where modern business style blends with a cultured, bohemian spirit.
      On the way, we’ll stop in Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, for a spot of lunch. A picturesque village with restored Victorian buildings, Greytown is a charming place to stop, refuel and do some boutique window shopping before we continue our journey to Wellington.
      With a population of fewer than 200,000 people, there is no capital city on earth that marries relaxed and refined better than Wellington. The afternoon is free but we highly recommend a visit to our national museum Te Papa and your entrance fee is included. This evening is yours to explore Wellington.
      Visit: Wairarapa, Wellington
      Accommodation: Novotel Wellington or similar
      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Activity: Te Papa

      Day 7: Depart Wellington

      Enjoy breakfast at leisure before checking out of your hotel. Whether you’re traveling home or decide to stay in Wellington for a few extra days, we hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip with us.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      Highlights
      Booking Info
      FAQs
      • Taste magnificent wines in Napier
      • Learn more about Maori culture at Lake Aniwhenua
      • Wellington, visit Te Papa museum
      • Stay in comfortable hand-picked hotels everynight
      • Twin-share bookable live. Prices per person, in New Zealand Dollar (NZD). For a single upgrade enquire for more details.
      What should I pack for this tour?

      New Zealand generally follows an informal dress standard in bars and restaurants on most occasions. We would suggest smart casual clothes, which will be acceptable in most restaurants and nightclubs. If you are planning on eating at fine dining establishments you will need to dress accordingly.

      You should always pack clothes, which allow you to layer in the event of the weather turning cooler, even in summer. We would suggest packing a light raincoat or poncho for travel all year round.

      If you are travelling during the cooler winter months then take a warmer jacket layer and consider an under layer for warmth.

      What type of coach is used on this tour?

      Each of our coaches offers large panoramic windows for easy viewing, dual entry for easy access, onboard restroom, and daily seat rotation providing everyone a chance to mix with fellow travelers.

      Our personalized fleet of Coaches will have you traveling in Enviro 4 & 5-star vehicles all fitted with individual seat belts.

      Do you cater for medical or dietary requirements?

      Yes, we are able to cater for any medical and dietary requirements on our tours. Simply let us know at the time of booking.

      Travelling with a wheelchair
      We are able to cater for passengers travelling with a foldable non-motorized wheelchair. However, the passenger must be able to climb a few steps and be able to get on / off the coach unassisted.

      There may also be a few sightseeing activities on the tour that are unable to be accessed by wheelchair, such as the glow worm caves in Te Anau.

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